Ricardo’s mother gave him the gift of opportunity by attending sponsorship’s Parenting Circle, where we share parenting skills. Once a shy and disengaged child, Ricardo now happily wakes up early to go to school where he plays, sings and dances with his classmates.

Meet Ricardo

The invitation to sponsorship’s Parenting Circle changed Yeni’s life and the life of her son, Ricardo, for the better. After such a positive experience, Yeni brought Ricardo to other enriching community activities organized by Save the Children, which prepared him to enter kindergarten ready to engage and learn.

Cuyagualo is a quiet community, nestled among low lying hills and dusty roads a few hours outside the capital city of El Salvador. Despite the increased presence of local gang violence, children are eager to embrace learning when given the chance. Thanks to our sponsors, we are able to give these children the opportunities they deserve to thrive.

Educating parents on the value of their children’s education is essential when entering a new community. When Ricardo was just a baby, we invited Yeni to attend a sponsorship Parenting Circle – a program that engages and educates parents on the importance of early education in their children’s lives.

At the time, Ricardo was very shy and did not interact with other children. Once they started attending the Parenting Circle regularly, Yeni noticed that Ricardo’s social skills greatly improved, and he was learning to relate with other children by playing, singing and dancing.

After having such a positive experience with sponsorship’s Parenting Circles, Yeni took Ricardo to Book Rotation sessions run by sponsorship, where over the next two years he developed a deep love for reading and learning.

When Ricardo started kindergarten. His mom thought it would be difficult for him because he loves sleeping in, but instead he’s excited to wake up early to go to school. His teacher Miss Yaneth says she notices remarkable development skills among children who have attended Save the Children Parenting Circles.

“[When these children start school] they already know their colors, can identify letters and numbers, know how to properly hold a pencil and are more organized, responsible and outgoing,” Miss Yaneth says.

Thanks to our dedicated sponsors, Ricardo is doing great in school and – more importantly – he’s loving it!

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